Best Sites like Airbnb in 2025: Vacation Rentals to Escape the Ordinary
Exploring Airbnb Alternatives
The vacation rental market has expanded significantly, offering travelers more options. While Airbnb continues to dominate, several other sites like Airbnb provide unique features tailored to different needs, from budget stays to luxury villas in exotic locations. If you’re looking to explore alternatives beyond Airbnb, plenty of platforms cater to different travel styles and budgets.
Overview of Market Competition
Airbnb has a firm grip on the vacation rental industry, making many wonder, “What else is out there among sites like Airbnb?” Unlike hotels facing numerous competitors, the vacation rental service landscape has mainly been an Airbnb-led show. However, several other Airbnb competitors have entered the scene, offering unique perks and quirks.
| Competitor | Who’s Behind It? | What’s the Deal? |
|---|---|---|
| Vrbo | Expedia Group | Only offers entire vacation rental properties, great price-searching tools |
| Booking.com | Independent | Covers hotels and vacation rentals, ideal for international travel |
| Marriott Homes | Marriott | Combines hotel points with private stays |
| Expedia | Expedia Group | All-in-one travel platform, including flights and car rentals |
Have you considered guided tours instead of homestays and vacation rental sites? Check out our related articles to explore both options: why guided tours are great for first-time travelers and Vacation Rental Platforms VS. Guided Tour Companies. They’re there to help you make that trip a bit extra special!
Differentiation in Vacation Rental Platforms
Each Airbnb alternative has its niche, catering to different travelers’ preferences when booking a place to stay.
- Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner): This is your go-to if you’re after a whole house. Vrbo specializes in full-property rentals, ensuring no shared spaces. This makes it perfect for families or big groups looking for privacy.
- Booking.com: Originally focused on hotels, Booking.com now boasts a vast inventory of vacation rentals. Many properties here are professionally managed, ensuring a smooth experience, particularly for international travelers.
- Marriott Homes and Villas: Combining the best of both worlds, this platform allows travelers to enjoy high-end vacation rentals while earning or redeeming Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points.
- Expedia: A one-stop shop for travelers who bundle flights, accommodations, and activities in one easy-to-manage package.
If you’re seeking alternatives to Airbnb, these platforms offer a variety of benefits, from better booking fee transparency to loyalty perks and unique property selections.
Notable Players in the Industry
Beyond Airbnb, several significant platforms offer unique advantages, making them worth considering for your next trip.
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
Vrbo is the best Airbnb alternative and its top competition, boasting over 2 million listings worldwide (NerdWallet). Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo focuses exclusively on whole-home rentals, ensuring complete privacy.
Why It Stands Out:
- Offers a total price feature, so you see upfront costs without hidden fees.
- Owned by the Expedia Group, providing solid backing and customer support.
- Ideal for travelers who prefer exclusive stays without shared spaces.
- A reliable option for property owners looking to rent out their homes while ensuring a professional booking process.
| Features | Vrbo |
| Listings Count | Over 2 million |
| Place Type | Standalone homes only |
| Ownership | Expedia Group |
Booking.com
Booking.com is a powerhouse for all types of accommodations. It has grown into a major player in vacation rentals, offering an extensive selection of vacation rental properties globally (Bookinglayer).
Why It Stands Out:
- A vast selection of stays, including hotels and private rentals.
- Flexible cancellation policies on many properties.
- User-friendly filters make it easy to find what you need.
Vacasa
Vacasa specializes in fully managed vacation rental service properties, ensuring top-tier guest experiences.
Why It Stands Out:
- Professional property management enhances the guest experience.
- Features a range of properties, from cozy cabins to luxury villas.
- Strong reputation for customer support and quality assurance.
Unique Features and Offerings
These platforms offer compelling alternatives if you’re looking for other Airbnb competitors.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards
Many platforms now offer loyalty programs, allowing frequent travelers to earn and redeem points for future stays.
| Platform | Loyalty Program | Points Earned | Extra Info |
| Vrbo | One Key | 2% back in OneKeyCash | Redeemable on Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo |
| Marriott Homes | Marriott Bonvoy | Varies per stay | Ideal for high-end stays |
Property Variety and Locations
The type of properties available can vary significantly between platforms.
| Platform | Property Types | Popular Locations |
| Vacasa | Class A vacation homes | U.S., Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica |
| Booking.com | Polished apartments, hotels | Global destinations |
User-Friendly Booking and Stay Experience
Some platforms prioritize user experience, offering streamlined booking and support features.
| Platform | Booking Experience | Check-In Process |
| Vacasa | Smooth via app | Hassle-free through digital keys |
| Booking.com | Easy and fast | Simple self-check-in options |
Considerations for Choosing Alternatives
Switching from Airbnb to another platform? Here are key factors to consider.
Cancellation Policies and Cleaning Fees
Different platforms have varying cancellations and cleaning fees policies, which can affect overall costs.
| Platform | Cancellation Policy | Average Cleaning Fee |
| Airbnb | Flexible to strict | $50 – $150 |
| Vrbo | Varies by owner | $75 – $200 |
| Booking.com | Generally strict | $30 – $100 |
Filtering and Sorting Capabilities
Sorting and filtering options can help you find the best deal quickly.
| Feature | Airbnb | Vrbo | Booking.com |
| Price Filter | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Property Type | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unique Amenities | Limited | Limited | Yes |
Long-Term Stay Discounts
Many platforms offer special pricing for extended stays, making them ideal for digital nomads and long-term travelers.
| Platform | Long-Term Stay Discounts | Special Programs |
| Airbnb | Yes | – |
| Vrbo | Yes | One Key (2% back) |
| Booking.com | Limited | – |
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Alternative
Choosing other Airbnb alternatives depends on what you’re looking for. Platforms like Vrbo and Vacasa are excellent for privacy and managed rentals, while Booking.com offers a broad range of accommodations with great international reach. If you’re a frequent traveler, taking advantage of loyalty programs can be a game-changer. The right platform is out there, whether you’re after a cozy cabin for a quiet retreat or a luxury villa for a lavish escape.
By considering factors like booking fee transparency, property management quality, and filtering capabilities, you can make a more brilliant choice and enhance your next travel experience. Now, it’s time to book your next adventure; where will you stay next? Happy travels!
🔎 Next Steps:
✔ Explore our How to Find Cheap Flights to Europe for travelers.
✔ Check our Vacation Rental Platforms VS. Guided Tour Companies.
✔ Check our article: Best Hotel Booking Websites You Need to Know.
✔ Explore our comparison: homestays vs. booking hotels for more options.
💬 Which platform do you prefer?
